Marco Rubio Meets Paraguayan President at World Cup Opener in Los Angeles

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the U.S. men's World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 13, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. During the event, he met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to discuss U.S.-Paraguay strategic partnerships, according to a State Department official. The U.S. team won the match 4-1. Rubio's attendance at the game, alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, has sparked speculation regarding both politicians' potential candidacies for the 2028 presidential election. Newsom has acknowledged considering a presidential run, while Rubio has been discussed as a possible future contender. The State Department did not provide further details about the discussions between Rubio and Peña. Paraguay maintains close ties with the U.S. and is one of Taiwan's few remaining allies in South America, which is significant amid U.S.-China competition for influence in the region. The World Cup is anticipated to attract various government officials and political figures as matches are held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.